About ITU Telecom

ITU Telecom, part of the ITU, organizes ITU Digital World and ITU Telecom World events on a not-for-profit neutral platform to accelerate ICT innovation for social and economic development through exhibiting solutions, sharing knowledge and networking.

ITU Telecom World 2011 in Geneva marked the event’s 40th anniversary following its debut in 1971. As the leading exhibition and forum for the global ICT industry, it brings together public and private representatives to showcase innovative solutions, collaborate and engage in high-level dialogue on the major challenges facing the sector. In 2011, ITU Telecom World moved to become a global annual event in rotating geographic locations. ITU Telecom World 2012 was hosted in Dubai, UAE, ITU Telecom World 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand, and ITU Telecom World 2014 in Doha, Qatar.

Recognising the critical importance of SMEs in driving industry growth and socio-economic development throughout the world, ITU Telecom World was repositioned in 2015 as aglobal platform connecting governments, corporates and tech SMEs, offering international services to support and foster SME growth.​

ITU Telecom World 2015 was hosted in Budapest, Hungary; ITU Telecom World 2016 returned to Bangkok; ITU Telecom World 2017 was held in Busan, South Korea; ITU Telecom World 2018 took place in Durban, South Africa; and ITU Telecom World 2019 returned to Budapest.

ITU Digital World 2021, the next ITU Telecom event, will take place in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, in September 2021.

About ITU

ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 193 Member States and over 700 private sector entities.

Over the past 150 years, ITU has been a facilitator and pioneer. From the earliest days of telegraphy, through the development of radio and phone technology, we have been instrumental in bringing life-enhancing innovation to global communities.

More recently we’ve helped radar systems, radio astronomy telescopes and communication satellites become an everyday reality. We’ve encouraged the positive power of the internet, and taken the lead on cyber security and bridging the digital divide between developed and emerging nations. And we’re not about to stop.